Opt to Adopt - Moses and Abby

For all the promoting that we do of house panthers around here, a lot of people are surprised we only have one. But we tell people that mom doesn't even remember the last time she actually went "looking" to adopt, so she gets what she gets. MOL

We do have a rather handsome house panther to tell you about today. Moses is at the shelter where mom volunteers every other week and she is more than a little in love with him.

Moses is about 4 years old, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and tested negative for FIV/FeLV. He is super sweet and gets along with most everyone he meets. He is a big guy and just a lover. Mom isn't exactly sure how long he has been at the shelter, but it has been at least since last fall. There have been a couple of sales and yet Moses still gets overlooked.

But how can you resist this???


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We wanted to remind you too about Miss Abby over at Tails from the Foster Kittens. While she is diabetic, it is SO easy to control and our friend Miss Connie would really like to get her placed into a home from being in foster care. If you know of anyone interested, please let us know or send them over to Miss Connie for more information.

Our friends at Paws and Effect wrote a great article about diabetic cats that is a great read as well as an article Miss Connie wrote as well.

Opt to Adopt and Fundraiser

As most of you know, in addition to our local rescue, we are big fans of Miss Chrystal and Winnie's Wish over at Daily Dose of Dogs. Well, if you haven't heard by now, they are having a fundraiser to build another cat house. They are at max capacity....so if you have ever considered adopting, now is the time. And don't let distance stop you - we have helped get kitties to California and Canada!!

You can go to their GoFundMe site and donate.

Or....an auction is being organized:


Here are those ready for new homes:

Slate, Toast and Smokey.....

Opt to Adopt - a Happy Tail

For those of you that don't follow us on Facebook, we have news:

MAE WEST WAS ADOPTED ON FRIDAY!!!

Since mom was there for part of it, we are going to let her tell the story.

Wednesday night I stopped at the adoption center just to check it. I was looking for a copy of Kahlua's adoption papers to add to my "collection" and was talking to a friend who also volunteers. As we were talking, a woman (maybe early 30s) came up with an application and asked about how long it would be held. She recently had her older cat pass away and wasn't sure if she was ready but wanted to have all the paperwork done in case she decided. Everything looked good and Karen (my friend) said we would keep it on file and just let us know when she made up her mind. Karen and I continued to chat a little and the woman went around the adoption center looking at different cats.

She stopped me as I was leaving and just looked baffled. "How do I choose?" I smiled and said well, you can wait for someone to choose you, or we can see what you are looking for. She wanted a girl, not terribly young or old, a little active but not too and companionable. As we were talking, I looked around the room. Now, keep in mind that I don't spend much time at the adoption center - I more do fostering and adoption events. So I don't know too many of the cats at the adoption center. But, as I looked around, there was Mae snoozing in a cat bed on top of one of the towers we use for small kittens. Eureka!!

I took the woman (who I know know is Emma) over and introduced her to Mae while telling her about how I found her. Mae stretched and blinked at Emma. I told her to lean close and scratched down Mae's back to get her to "mrow" for us. She did and Emma laughed. I said I had to run home but left Emma giving Mae some love. 

Friday night I got a text from my friend Emily who was volunteering at the adoption center. "Mae went home". After some back and forth, I was able to confirm it was the woman I had spoken to on Wednesday. And by later that evening she had posted a picture to Colony's facebook page and said Mae had settled right in. It will just be Mae and her new mom in her home....which I have no doubt will make Mae very happy. 

Opt to Adopt - Mae West

Yes, we know she has been on here before, but we have an update....

Since we don't currently have adoptable kittens in the house, and the adoption center has been so busy that mom didn't want to take kittens from there, she decided to take Mae with her on Saturday to the Petco adoption weekend. Mae of course expressed her displeasure at going in the carrier, going in the car, and going in the crate. MOL

However, things are looking up for Mae. She is out and about at the adoption center - though she has claimed the large trash can that holds the litter as her personal space. She has slimmed down some - not quite so curvy. She is still a talker though.

And....she is a lover. OK- mom discovered that Mae doesn't like her so much....appears the girl is holding a grudge about something. But our friend Miss Emily said she can pick Mae up and carry her around like a baby. And Mae was flirting like mad with the staff and a couple of customers at the store. No adoption interest, but at least she was turning on the charm.

That being said, she was giving the two other cats at the store "the look" and growled a couple of times. But with slow introductions, we know she would be ok. A gentleman came in with a toy poodle and Mae lost her mind - full Halloween cat mode. Though a couple came in later with a puggle and she seemed fine. So either she was getting used to it, or poodles are scarier than puggles. Who knows??  :)

Opt to Adopt - Winnie's Wish

If you have never heard about this small private rescue, you need to click and read. Chrystal lives in Southern Illinois and does her best on her own. With the help of her dedicated followers, two cat houses have been built on her property to house the cats that need her help. But, like all pets, they would love to have a home of their own....

Peter Pan

Slate

You can find the entire list of available cats on the Petfinder list. And don't think Illinois is a haul....we have helped them place adoptions in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, California and Canada!!

Opt to Adopt Mae West

It was back in July that we originally posted about our rescue girl Mae West.

Well, she is still at the adoption center waiting for a family to take her home. As you can see, she has superior snoopervision skills:

Unfortunately, when mom was up at the adoption center over the weekend, Mae was in the sick ward with a cold. For some cats, the stress of being there affects their immune systems. That seems to be the case for Mae. She is so sweet and lovey...and has been coming out of the quiet room and been seen roaming around. The volunteers all seem to know who she is when mom checks on her....between her looks and her voice, she is well known. We think she would do best in a quieter home but would be fine with other cats so long as she is given time to be properly introduced. And honestly, if you are interested, mom would help arrange transport cause she really wants to see Mae in a home of her own.

If you don't want to click the link, the video below is of Mae having quite the conversation with mom.

Opt to Adopt - Happy Tail

Mom was going to post about a 7 year old boy at the shelter where she volunteers. Aiden was brought in as a stray. Not neutered but super nice and very handsome brown tabby. She spent some time with him last Tuesday night and he was happy just to sit and have his ears scratched.

But then something happened last Thursday on the night when she volunteers that she wanted to touch on....and it involves Aiden.

Any reputable rescue has a return policy. And ask anyone involved in rescue how they feel about returns, and they will more than likely roll their eyes. Cause we have all heard the "had the kitten for 24 hours but it was too active" story. Or "we had the cat for 2 days but it wouldn't come out from under the bed" story. "We're moving". "We're pregnant". Whatever.....rescuers tend to get a little cynical cause we have heard it all and then some.

But what about legitimate returns?  When the adopters have tried everything, asked for help, tried some more and it still isn't working? Those are returns that, while we never like to see animals come back, we understand.

Such was the case last week. A very nice lady brought back a cat they had adopted about 3 weeks before. He got along great with the family. Loved the family dog. Terrorized the 7 year old female family cat. They had done the introductions right. Tried separating them and introducing them again. Nope - he stalked the older lady cat and was making life miserable for everyone. The lady said over and over she felt so guilty but didn't know what else do to. Mom got talking to her and assured her - the pets in the house have to come first. It isn't fair to resident animals to be terrorized in their own home.... so mom took the boy back and set him up.

When mom came back up front, the lady was still there. She wanted to rescue and adopt but was now concerned about doing the right thing. Mom smiled and took her to meet Aiden. It was love. Now, since most people bring back and animal and run, no one was sure about doing an exchange. So an email was sent and the director responded the following morning that everything sounded fine and she would contact the woman.

Aiden went home Friday night.....

So it isn't always about the first pick....but about the right pick. And like dating, it may not always work out on the first try. Good luck Aiden - we got a good feeling about this.

Opt to Adopt - Cassidy

We know we have had her here before, but wanted to get her out there again. She had been in one of the local Petco stores. However, her stress level was going up....she could be out if she wanted but would disappear to the back of the store.

Mom picked her up on Saturday and brought her back here. She didn't like it much but was ok all things considered.

After talking to the head of the rescue, it was decided to send her out to a Petsmart location. We know what you are thinking - what's the difference?? The biggest difference is that Cass can't get out of the room with the adoption cages - and people can't be sticking their fingers in to annoy her. Win-win.

getting ready to leave (with the kitten inspection being done)

complaining about the move (just kidding)

All set up and checking out her new apartment. She would be best in a quiet home that is going to give her time to adjust...she did ok here overnight - especially since we didn't have a place to separate her. She was nervous, but by Sunday morning was out and about. She did some name calling with the boys but otherwise seemed fine with everything. She is 2 years old, spayed and up to date on shots.

Opt to Adopt - Einey, Meeny and Miney

Mom took 3 kittens to an adoption event on Saturday to a local pet boutique. They are all about 16 weeks old and ready for their own homes.

Einey is a calico female. She got the store, freaked out and spent the entire time in the carrier. However, she was fine back at the adoption center - just a little shy (which is why mom doesn't have any pictures).

 Miney isn't quite as outgoing as his brother, but he was happy to see people and would walk up to the cage for attention.

Meeney was all over being out in public. Mom got him out a few times and he was purring and wanted to greet everyone. He did want to get down and explore, so mom put the harness and leash on him....and he fell over. So much for that. MOL

And before you say it....Moe was already adopted.

Opt to Adopt - Nala & Lexi

Mom got to drive twice this week for Ontario Bloodhound Rescue.  Two bloodhound girls - mother and daughter were rescued from Tennessee and moved to a kennel just west of us until they could be moved to foster care.

Nala is 3 years old and moved Thursday afternoon. She is super sweet. Great getting INTO the car, had to convince her to get OUT. :) Nala turned out to be heartworm positive so she got her first treatment before going to foster in Pennsylvania.

Lexi is 5 years old and moved Saturday to her foster home in Canada. She was also super sweet. She actually was heartworm negative which surprised everyone since Nala was positive. Lexi got right in the car and settled in for a nap.

And update: Lexi is already adopted. Her foster home was one of the head volunteers for OBR. In less than an hour, she posted that Lexi - now Clover - fit in great with their family and their big male bloodhound Humphrey and would be the newest member of their family. :)  Congrats!!

Opt to Adopt - Jet Ash and Quartz

Jet

Ash and Jet

Mom tried to get an updated picture of Quartz, but the official greeter of the kitten room kept walking up to the camera before mom could get a picture. Ash is SO much bigger than Coral now.

Ash at about 4 weeks

They had all been taken off the adoption floor. Ash and Jet developed a cold and Quartz's collar got wet and attached to her neck and cause a wound that needed tending. Jet is still a little jumpy but doing much better. Ash and Quartz are both so friendly and outgoing. Now to get them adopted!!!

Opt to Adopt - Great Plains

Hello peeps and fur-peeps of the interwebs and blogosphere!!!

Coral here....and mom told me I could take over the blog today for a special post.

Our friends Maxwell, Faraday and Allie (isn't she fabulous??) at A Tonk's Tail help out their local rescue. Their mom is a volunteer and reached out to bloggers to help generate some adoptions. Since my official gotcha day was just a week ago, this is a big deal to me. I think all pets deserve to live in a home where they are loved and cared for like I am in my home.

See the rescue they work with is Great Plains SPCA. In an effort to help animals in their area and achieve a no-kill status, they won the bid to take over a city shelter. However, their intake numbers ballooned and don't seem to be leveling off at all. They are over capacity and need help. And due to their numbers, they are currently unable to take in additional animals. So this is WAY more than urgent.

You can help out by doing a number of things:
  1. ADOPT!! I don't know if they will transport or let us arrange transport out of state, but we haved asked.
  2. SHARE!! If you can't adopt, maybe you know someone that is looking - or even thinking about looking. Please use the tag #DailyDoseofIndependence on facebook and twitter
  3. DONATE!!  GPSPCA has a wish list on amazon and I know they could use the support if that is what you can do right now.
  4. ADOPT!!!  (I know I already said that, but it bears repeating)

Big Boy
(aka Sebastian)

 Fifa

Italy

Tommy  

With 3-4 million animals dying in shelters every year, having rescues and shelters commit to being no-kill is huge....but in this case they are overwhelmed and need some help. The animals are all being well cared for, but their ability to help others is limited until they can get adoptions increased.

Opt to Adopt - sort of

tiny girl back in April

We suspect this won't come as a surprise to many who follow us.

Over the last couple of weeks, mom has been taking Coral out in public on the harness and leash. She wanted to see how she did in crowds and other things. In fact, Friday night a local community was having a Dog Days of Summer event. A friend of mom's was out with a cocker spaniel rescue so mom decided to go over for a little bit (it was hot and humid). Coral did GREAT!!! She was unfazed by the crowds and everyone paying attention to her. She wanted down a couple of times, but we suspect that was more about being hot. Nothing to get a fuzzy kitten overheated than being out in 85 degree heat and humidity (they were only there about an hour).

We would like to welcome Coral as a permanent member of the Random Felines family. She has fit in seamlessly and her sweet disposition made it an easy decision.

Really? I can stay? Cool....

Opt to Adopt - Anna

OK - here we go....let's promote a woofie this week....

See, mom isn't really a little dog person, but even she admits that she has NO idea why Anna hasn't been adopted yet.

Anna is a chihuahua boster terrier mix. About 4-5 years old. Great with adults, kids, cats and other dogs. Doesn't mind being dressed up and carried around. Her owner was no longer able to care for her and now the rescue where mom volunteers is trying to find her a home. The rescue is in central Ohio.

Opt to Adopt - Jet and Quartz

Miss Jet was spayed yesterday. Lately she hasn't been overly friendly with mom but the staff at the clinic said she was wonderful (mom was tempted to check and make sure it really was Jet in the carrier when they left). Jet was good on the way home, ate like a champ in the play pen....and then drunkenly howled off and on the rest of the evening.

With her being spayed, she and Quartz are now officially ready to be adopted.

Remember these girls were left at our adoption center in a carrier - no mom and not eating on their own. Our very own Jade (who hasn't been adopted yet) took them on as her own.

Quartz is VERY lovey and outgoing and playful. In fact, mom had to put her back in with Jet last night. Partly in the hopes that Jet would quiet down with some company...and partly cause Quartz has no sense of mom's personal space. She is great with the adult cats and loves playing with Coral.

Jet is a little more reserved but loves playing with her sister. She doesn't mind being picked up and held and the more it happens the less she seems to mind.

(Sorry for the late post....we got new cable/internet last week. It was working fine Sunday but mom wasn't too motivated to post ahead. And then last night it wasn't working at all, so she is doing this one from work.)

Opt to Adopt - Calvin T

Calvin is about 4 months old....neutered, negative FeLV/FIV test, up to date on shots.

He has a mild URI which is why he is here with us, but can stay in foster until healthy but would be ok to go home with a family that can keep him separate from household cats and medicate him until he is healthy.

The rescue was contacted and was helping a woman with cats that were multiplying. She was willing to care for the colony but needed help to control the population. So the rescue stepped up to help with TNR and the woman agreed to care for the group once everyone was returned to her. Calvin was part of that....so he was neutered and eartipped though the woman did say that she was working to get some of the cats to be indoor/outdoor. But better to have the ear tip. However, Calvin caught an upper respiratory infection and stayed at the rescue to get better. And then he ended up here.

He is super sweet and people and cat friendly. Mom calls him Calvin T as in Calvin The Black (a good pirate name).

 Calvin and Quartz

 Calvin and Ash

Calvin and Junior

Opt to adopt - Ash

Well, with Captain Dingbat (Ash) getting his stitches out last week, it is about time for him to go up to the adoption center since no one showed any interest this weekend at the adoption event. He is on Petfinder, but being seen in person makes the adoption process happen much faster. Mom is probably going to get him up there this week.

Ash is now 15 weeks old and just sweet as can be. He LOVES to play and loves his sister Coral, the other kittens and the adult cats here as well. He would be great with another cat, a slightly older kitten or even by himself (though we love seeing kittens getting adopted in pairs and there are LOTS at our adoption center that need homes that are about his age).

Ash on Sunday

so tiny.....and eyes still closed

 

shocked I tell you, just shocked